The prostate is a walnut-shaped gland found only in men. It is located below the bladder and surrounds the urethra which is the tube that conducts the flow of urine to the outside of the body.
Health conditions that commonly affect the prostate are:
Benign prostatic hyperplasia ( BPH) develops when the prostate becomes enlarged. This often occurs in men as they age. About 50 percent of men between the ages of 51-60 have this condition; however not all require treatment. Symptoms are:
- Frequent urination
- Difficulty urinating
- Feeling that there is still a need to urinate after emptying the bladder
Treatment includes medications to relieve the constriction of the urethra or those that shrink the prostate. In some cases surgery may be required.
Prostatitis is caused by a bacterial infection and causes an inflammation of the prostate gland. The symptoms include:
- Difficulty urinating
- Frequent urination
- Pain during urination
- Fever or chills
- Cloudy urine
- Pelvic pain
Treatment of prostatitis usually requires an antibiotic.
Prostate Cancer is more common in men over the age of 50. It affects African American men more commonly than other ethnicities. There is a higher incidence in men who have a family history of the disease and there is also a correlation to men who have a high fat diet. Diagnosing prostate cancer is done by performing a blood test known as a prostate specific antigen test (PSA) and a physical exam called a digital rectal exam. Frequently there are no symptoms.
Treatment of prostate cancer is dependent on the stage when it is diagnosed. It can include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, or just watching it to see how it is progressing.
If you are experiencing any symptoms of prostate disease or are in a high risk group for prostate cancer, you should schedule an appointment with your physician to discuss your health. You can schedule an appointment with a urologist at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center by calling 718-206-7001.
All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.